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School’s out, but that doesn’t mean learning has taken a vacation for the summer. If you’re looking for something to do, and have always wanted to learn a new hobby or discover new things, then there are a wide variety of classes and workshops for all ages being offered throughout the area. KSMU’s Adam Murphy takes a look at some of the many opportunities for summer learning in the Ozarks.
Throughout the Ozarks, people of any age group have several chances to get out and learn something new. From dancing to Dutch-oven cooking, it would be hard not to find something of interest. And in the current economy, many of these inexpensive activities can be a smart way to spend your time this summer.
Instead of sitting at home all summer, kids can learn new skills through active programs both indoors and outdoors. Missouri State-West Plains and OTC both offer Kid’s Colleges, where kids can create a schedule of multiple classes on print making, caves, math, writing, and more. Brenda Malkowski is the director of university community programs at Missouri State-West Plains. She says kids get excited about attending college after their time in the program.
“Each year the students will leave saying ‘I want to go to college, I’m really interested in that now, so it helps them focus a direction for their future,” Malkowski said.
The Springfield-Greene County Parks Board also hosts numerous classes, workshops, and camps for all ages. Sheri Davis is the community recreation coordinator for the accessible recreation programs, which are for adults with disabilities. She says there are several benefits to getting involved in these kinds of activities.
“It also works on self-esteem because everybody gets out and involved in doing things, improving their skills, learning new things, being able to things they’ve never done before, or might have done when they were younger and kind of got away from,” said Davis.
Other opportunities for staying active this summer include fitness classes, family swim lessons, and activities for senior citizens.
For KSMU News, I’m Adam Murphy.
More information on some summer learning opportunities can be found at these sites.
Dickerson Park Zoo Z.E.B.R.A. program-ages 2-8th gradeDiscovery Center-ages 4-8th gradeMaster Gardeners of Greene County, Adventures in the Garden-ages 2-8Missouri State University, fitnessMissouri State University-West Plains-Kid’s College-4th-8th gradeOzarks Technical Community College-ages 3-adultSpringfield-Greene County Park BoardAccessible Recreation-ages 18+Aquatics classesDoling Family Center-ages 2-adultMediacom Ice Park-skating and hockey lessonsOutdoor InitiativesSenior Citizen Programs at Northview Center
West Plains Senior Center, sign language-information at 417-257-0038, extension 216
